Beam blade windshield wiper assembly having an airfoil

ABSTRACT

A beam blade wiper assembly including a rubber wiping element and an elongated beam having first and second longitudinal ends. The wiper assembly also includes an airfoil having an attachment portion and an upper portion extending between first and second distal ends. The attachment portion includes a flat rib and a pair of legs adapted to operatively engage the rubber wiping element. The upper portion includes a solid base having a leading edge that extends from the base toward the wiping element. The base and the rib define a space that receives the elongated beam. The base and the elongated beam define a cavity that provides flexibility between the upper portion and the attachment portion during wiper operation. The upper portion further includes a spoiler that extends from the base in a manner opposite to the leading edge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, generally, to windshield wiper assembliesand, more specifically, to a beam blade windshield wiper assembly havingimproved wind lift characteristics.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional windshield wiper assemblies known in the related artgenerally consist of two types commonly referred to as “beam bladewindshield wiper assemblies” and “tournament windshield wiperassemblies.” Both types of windshield wiper assemblies include a wipingelement that contacts the windshield or surface to be wiped. Further,both types of windshield wiper assemblies are carried across thewindshield by a wiper arm and rely on the downward force from the wiperarm to maintain contact between the wiping element and the windshield.However, tournament-style windshield wiper assemblies depend on a seriesof levers to distribute the downward force from the wiper arm across thewiping element.

On the other hand, beam blade windshield wiper assemblies include anelongated, homogeneous strip forming a spring backbone or beam that isresiliently flexible. The beam is curved along a single plane thatflexes to correspond to the curvature of a windshield. A wiper armdelivers a downward force to the beam that is distributed across thebeam, thereby pressing the wiper assembly into contact with thewindshield. An example of a beam blade type windshield wiper assembly isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,096 issued Apr. 22, 2003 to Stewart etal. and assigned to Trico Products Corp.

Beam blade windshield wiper assemblies include a smaller profile andless moving parts than tournament windshield wiper assemblies. Thus, asa matter of aesthetics, beam blade windshield wiper assemblies aregenerally preferred over tournament windshield wiper assemblies.However, due to the general characteristics of beam blade windshieldwiper assemblies, they are more likely to be subjected to a phenomenonreferred to as “wind lift.” Generally speaking, wind lift occurs whenairflow underneath the windshield wiper assembly creates a lift forcegreater than the opposing downward forces of the wiper arm and airflowover the assembly. During wind lift, the windshield wiper assembly liftsfrom the windshield of the vehicle, which can decrease the effectivenessof the windshield wiper assembly to clean the windshield.

To counter wind lift, airfoils of various designs have been employed tocombat this problem. Airfoils create a downward force that presses thewindshield wiper assembly into contact with the windshield, even atelevated driving speeds where wind lift can be extreme. While the beamblade windshield wiper assemblies known in the art provide significantadvances in the related technology, there continues to be a need in theart for improvements in beam blade windshield wiper assemblies, whichresult in improved performance at variable vehicle speeds, and reducewind lift with simplicity of parts and reduction in manufacturing costs.

As a result, there is a need in the art for a beam blade windshieldwiper assembly that that includes an airfoil for improved wipingperformance at variable vehicular speeds. Further, there is a need inthe art for a beam blade windshield wiper assembly having an airfoilthat simpler to manufacture and assemble to thereby reduce manufacturingand assembly costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes many limitations and disadvantages inthe related art in beam blade windshield wiper assemblies for use inconnection with an automotive vehicle. To this end, the beam bladewindshield wiper assembly of the present invention includes a rubberwiping element adapted to contact a surface to be wiped and an elongatedbeam having first and second longitudinal ends. The beam is aresiliently flexible material that is adapted to apply a force from anintermediate position between the first and second longitudinal ends tothe first and second longitudinal ends. The beam blade wiper assemblyfurther includes an airfoil having an attachment portion and an upperportion extending between first and second distal ends. The attachmentportion is integrally attached to the upper portion and includes a flatrib and a pair of legs depending therefrom. The legs are adapted tooperatively engage a portion of the rubber wiping element. The upperportion includes a solid base having a leading edge that extends fromthe base toward the wiping element. The base is spaced from the rib soas to define a space therebetween that is adapted to receive theelongated beam. The base and the upper surface of the elongated beamcooperate to further define a cavity adapted to provide flexibilitybetween the upper portion and the attachment portion during operationalmovement across the surface to be wiped. The upper portion furtherincludes a spoiler that extends from the base in a manner opposite tothe leading edge to reduce the likelihood of wind lift.

Another embodiment of the beam blade windshield wiper assembly of thepresent invention includes a rubber wiping element adapted to contact asurface to be wiped and an elongated beam having an upper surface and alower surface extending between first and second longitudinal ends. Thebeam is a resiliently flexible material adapted to apply a force from anintermediate position between the first and second longitudinal ends tothe first and second longitudinal ends. The beam blade windshield wiperassembly further includes a retainer including a plate and a pair oflegs depending from the plate to operatively engage a portion of therubber wiping element. The retainer further includes a pair of armsextending from the plate in a manner opposite to the legs. The arms areadapted to operatively engage a portion of the elongated beam. The beamblade windshield wiper assembly further includes an airfoil having anattachment portion and an upper portion extending between first andsecond distal ends. The attachment portion is integrally attached to theupper portion and is operatively attached to the retainer. Theattachment portion and the elongated beam cooperate to define a cavityadapted to provide flexibility between the airfoil and the retainerduring operational movement across the surface to be wiped. The upperportion includes a solid base having a leading edge that extends fromthe base toward the wiping element. The upper portion further includes aspoiler that extends from the base in a manner opposite to the leadingedge to reduce the likelihood of wind lift.

Thus, one advantage of the present invention is that the beam bladewindshield wiper assembly includes an airfoil that reduces wind lift forimproved wiping performance.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the beam bladewindshield wiper assembly includes a solid airfoil that includes fewerparts, is simpler to manufacture and that results in reducedmanufacturing costs.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that the beam bladewindshield assembly includes a cavity that provides increasedflexibility of the airfoil during operational movement and therebyreduces wind lift.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will bereadily appreciated as the same becomes better understood after readingthe subsequent description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the front of an automotivevehicle having a pair of beam blade windshield wiper assemblies,according to an embodiment of the present invention, pivotally mountedfor reciprocal movement across the windshield of the vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the beam blade wiper assembly accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a partially assembled beamblade wiper assembly according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the beam blade wiper assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the beam blade wiper assembly accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a partially assembled beamblade wiper assembly according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the beam blade wiper assemblyaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring now to the figures, where like numerals are used to designatelike structure, a portion of a vehicle is illustrated at 10 in FIG. 1.The vehicle body includes a cowl 12, a roof 14, and a pair of laterallyspaced front or “A” pillars 16 extending between the roof 14 and thecowl 12. The A-pillars 16, roof 14, and cowl 12 cooperate to define agenerally rectangular perimeter, which supports a curved or “swept back”windshield 18.

A windshield wiper system is generally indicated at 20 in FIG. 1 and isemployed to clean the glass windshield 18. The windshield wiper system20 includes a pair of beam blade windshield wiper assemblies of thepresent invention, generally indicated at 22, and which correspond tothe driver and passenger side of the vehicle 10. Each beam bladewindshield wiper assembly 22 (hereinafter “wiper assembly”) is carriedby a corresponding wiper arm assembly, generally indicated at 24. Thewiper arm assembly 24 includes an attachment member (not shown butgenerally known in the art) adapted to operatively engage a wiperassembly 22. An electrical motor (not shown but generally known in theart) is employed to power the wiper system 20 to move the windshieldwiper assemblies 22 in an oscillating manner across the surface of thewindshield 18.

While the wiper assembly 22 illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown in connectionwith the front windshield 18 of the vehicle 10, those having ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that wiper assemblies 22 may beemployed in other areas of a vehicle 10, such as a rear window (notshown) or a head lamp (not shown) that employs a wiper system 20. Thus,it will be understood that the present invention is not limited for usesolely in connection with wiper arm assemblies 24 and windshield wiperassemblies 22 adapted for use on a vehicle's windshield 18, but for usein all applications where wiper arm assemblies 24 and wiper assemblies22 are employed.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the wiper assembly 22 includes a rubber wipingelement, generally indicated at 26, that is adapted to contact thesurface of the vehicle 10 to be wiped, namely the windshield 18. Therubber wiping element 26 includes an upper section 28 and a lowersection 30 that are partitioned by a longitudinally extending beam 32.The beam 32 provides flexibility between the upper section 28 and lowersection 30 during operational movement of the wiper assembly 22 acrossthe surface to be wiped. The upper section 28 further includes first andsecond channels 34 and 36, respectively, to facilitate attachment toadditional components of the wiper assembly 22, as described in greaterdetail below. The rubber wiping element 26 includes a predeterminedlength corresponding to particular application and is manufacturedthrough an extrusion process, which enables the length of the wipingelement 26 to be easily adjusted without a substantial increase tomanufacturing expense. Furthermore, while the rubber wiping element 26of the present invention is constructed from a flexible rubber, thosehaving ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it may beconstructed from any flexible material such as silicone or other polymerwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 3 and 4, the windshield wiper assembly22 further includes an elongated beam, generally indicated at 38. Theelongated beam 38 includes an upper surface 40 and a lower surface 42that extend between first and second longitudinal ends 44 and 46,respectively. The elongated beam is constructed from a resilientlyflexible material, such as spring steel or a polymer, and is adapted toapply force from an intermediate position between the first and secondlongitudinal ends 44 and 46 to the first and second longitudinal ends 44and 46. More specifically, the elongated beam 38 receives force from thespring-loaded wiper arm assembly 24 at an intermediate position anddistributes this force across the span of the elongated beam 38 towardthe first and second longitudinal ends 44 and 46. To that end, theelongated beam 38 is curved longitudinally with a predetermined radiusof curvature parallel to the plane of curvature of the windshield 18 andis sometimes referred to in the related art as a “free form” radius ofcurvature (hereinafter “windshield curvature”). Accordingly, thecurvature of the elongated beam 38 may be symmetrical or asymmetricaldepending on the force requirements and the contour of the windshield18. The flexible, free form, pre-curved beam straightens out when thewiper arm assembly 24 applies a force thereto to flatten the beam 38 anddirects the rubber wiring element 26 to contact the windshield 18. Thus,the elongated beam 38 includes a free-form curvature that ensures forcedistribution on windshields having various curvatures that effectsproper wrapping about the windshield 18.

As illustrated in throughout the figures, the elongated beam 38 has asubstantially constant width and may have a constant thicknessthroughout the length between the first and second longitudinal ends 44and 46. The constant width and thickness are adapted to provide highlateral and torsional stiffness to avoid lateral and torsionaldeflection, which causes the rubber wiping element 26 to stick/slip(“chatter”) on the windshield 18 during operation. Thus, thecross-section of the beam 38 has a generally rectangular outer profilewhich makes the elongated beam 38 easier to manufacture. Morespecifically, where the elongated beam 38 is constructed from metal,such as spring steel, the tools and machinery used to manufacture theelongate beam 38 are less complicated than that required to manufactureelongated beams having varying widths and/or thicknesses. Furthermore,where the elongated beam 38 is constructed from a polymer, such as athermoplastic elastomer, the tools and extrusion process machinery arealso less complicated than those employed to manufacture elongated beamshaving varying widths and/or thicknesses. However, those having ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the elongated beam 38 of thepresent invention may include a varying thickness and/or width withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. By way of example, the widthand/or thickness of the elongated beam 38 may taper linearly from thebeam center, sinusoidally, parabolically, or asymmetrically.Additionally, the elongated beam 38 is illustrated throughout thefigures as a single, integral piece of material such that it defines aconsolidated cross-section. However, those having ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that the elongated beam 38 may be formed into asingle piece by a plurality of laminates.

Referring to FIG. 2, the wiper assembly 22 further includes a connectingmember, generally indicated at 48. The connecting member 48 is adaptedto connect the wiper assembly 22 to the attachment member of a wiper armassembly 24. More specifically, the connecting member 48 includes acoupler 50 that operatively engages the attachment member of a wiper armassembly 24. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatthe coupler 50 includes structure that corresponds to at least oneparticular type of wiper arm assembly attachment member, but may includestructure that corresponds to multiple types of wiper arm assemblyattachment members. By way of example, different OEM's employ wiper armassemblies having different attachment members adapted to operativelyengage a specific beam blade wiper assembly. Accordingly, the connectingmember 48 of the present invention includes a coupler 50 havingstructure that operatively engages at least one or more of thesedifferent attachment members. Further by way of example, certain wiperarm assemblies employed by OEM's include attachment members commonlyreferred to as “bayonet-style”; “pin-type”; or “hook-type” attachmentmembers that operatively engage “tournament style” wiper assemblies.Accordingly, the coupler 50 of the connecting member 48 of the presentinvention may include structure for operatively engaging at least one ormore of these different attachment members for use in connection withtournament-style wiper assemblies without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

The connecting member 48 further includes a carrier 52 that isoperatively attached to the wiper assembly 22, as described in greaterdetail below. The coupler 50 is pivotally attached to the carrier 52.Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that while thecoupler 50 is pivotally attached to the carrier 52, the coupler 50 maybe attached in a pivotally fixed manner or may be removable from thecarrier 52 to provide a wiper assembly having interchangeable couplers50 that accommodate different attachment members, as described above.Contrary to conventional beam blade wiper assemblies, which include asmall contact point through which force from the wiper arm assembly isdistributed, the carrier 52 of the present invention broadens theinitial point at which force is applied from the wiper arm assembly 24to the elongated beam 38. In this manner, the downward force from thewiper arm assembly 24 is distributed with more efficiency to thelongitudinal ends 44 and 46 of the elongated beam 38, thereby reducingchatter and improving wiping action.

Referring back to FIGS. 2-4, the wiper assembly 22 further includes anairfoil, generally indicated at 54, that acts to reduce the likelihoodof wind lift. The airfoil 54 includes first and second distal ends 56,58. The airfoil 54 further includes an attachment portion, generallyindicated at 60, and an upper portion generally indicated at 62. Theattachment portion 60 is integrally attached to the upper portion 62.More specifically, the airfoil 54 is manufactured through an extrusionprocess wherein the attachment portion 60 and the upper portion 62 aresimultaneously formed from the same thermoplastic material.

The attachment portion 60 includes a flat rib 64 and a pair of legs 66,68 depending from the flat rib. The legs 66, 68 are adapted tooperatively engage a portion of the rubber wiping element 26. Morespecifically, each of the legs 66, 68 include a chamfered end 66A, 68Athat is turned inward toward each other such that the legs 66, 68 andthe flat rib 64 cooperate to define a sleeve 70 that retains the uppersection 28 of the rubber wiping element 26. As shown in FIG. 4, the legs66, 68 operatively engage the passages 34, 36 within the upper section28 of the rubber wiping element 26. Those having ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that while the attachment portion 60 of the airfoil54 includes legs 66, 68 having chamfered ends 66A, 68A to operativelyengage the rubber wiping element 26, the attachment portion 60 of theairfoil 54 may include any structure adapted to accomplish this endwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper portion 62includes a spoiler generally indicated at 72. The spoiler 72 is adaptedto reduce the likelihood of wind lift by utilizing airflow to generatedownward force on to the wiper assembly 22. To this end, the spoiler 72is solid in cross-section and includes a terminal point 74. Morespecifically, the spoiler 72 tapers inwardly from the base, described ingreater detail below, toward the terminal point 74 to define a profilethat is slightly contoured (FIG. 4). The spoiler 72 is integrallyattached to the upper portion 62 in a manner described above relative tothe integral attachment between the upper portion 62 and the attachmentportion 60. However, those having ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that while the spoiler 72 is integrally attached as describeabove, the spoiler 72 may be manufactured during a separate process andsubsequently attached to the upper portion 62 by an adhesive, ultrasonicwelding, or by structure, such as tongue and groove, located within thespoiler 72 and the upper portion 62.

The upper portion 62 further includes a solid base 76 having a leadingedge 78 that extends from the base 76 toward the wiping element 26. Asshown in FIG. 4, the leading edge 78 of the base 76 further includes aterminal end 80 that acts to direct airflow toward the spoiler 72. Morespecifically, in one preferred embodiment, the terminal end 80 mayextend outward and below the flat rib 64 to reduce or eliminate airflowbeneath the rubber wiping element 26 and therefore wind lift on thewiper assembly 22. The base 76 of the upper portion 62 extends from theleading edge 78 to the spoiler 72 on an incline to further directairflow toward the spoiler 72 (FIG. 4).

The base 76 is spaced from the flat rib 64 to define a space 82therebetween (FIG. 3). The space 82 is adapted to receive the elongatedbeam 38 (FIG. 4). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the elongated beam 38 andthe base 76 cooperate to define a cavity 83. The cavity 83 is adapted toprovide increased flexibility between the upper portion 62 and theattachment portion 60 during operational movement of the wiper assembly22 across the windshield 18. More specifically, during operationalmovement of the wiper assembly 22, the cavity 83 enhances theflexibility of the spoiler 72 relative to the base 76 to efficientlyutilize airflow to generate downward force onto the wiper assembly 22and thereby reduce wind lift. Further, the cavity 83 enables the base 76to flex in a downward position, toward the elongated beam 38 duringoperational movement, thereby further utilizing airflow to generatedownward force onto the wiper assembly 22 for reduced wind lift.Accordingly, the cavity 83 cooperates with and further enhances thespoiler 72, leading edge 78, and other structure of the beam bladewindshield wiper assembly 22 of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the wiper assembly 22 of the presentinvention further includes a pair of end caps, generally indicated at84. The end caps 84 are adapted to operatively engage the distal ends56, 58 of the airfoil 54. The end caps 84 include a profile thatsubstantially mimics the contours of the airfoil 54 to maintain the windlift characteristics of the wiper assembly 22 and to provide anincreased aesthetic value. The end caps 84 include a closed end 86 thatcovers the distal ends 56, 58, thereby preventing infiltration of water,ice, and debris within the space 82, cavity 83 and sleeve 70, which mayprevent proper operation of the wiper assembly 22. The closed end 86 ofthe end caps 84 extend beyond the distal ends 56, 58 of the airfoil 54to facilitate contact between the outer extremities of the rubber wipingelement 26 and the surface to be wiped. More specifically, the end caps84 provide a mass increase adjacent the distal ends 56, 58 of theairfoil 54 that prevent localized chatter along the extremities of thewiping element 26 caused by the combination of wind lift and a decreasein the force distributed to this area from wiper arm assembly 24 via theelongated beam 38, as described above.

An alternative embodiment of the beam blade wiper assembly of thepresent invention is generally indicated at 122 in FIGS. 5-7 where likenumerals, increased by 100 with respect to the embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, are used to designate likestructure. The wiper assembly 122 of the present invention as shown inFIGS. 5-7 is substantially similar in structure to the wiper assembly 22shown in FIGS. 2-4 and so the description of the assembly will not berepeated here except where expressly mentioned below. More specifically,the wiper assembly 122 includes a rubber wiping element 126, elongatedbeam 138, connecting member 148 and end caps 184 having the samestructure as those described with respect to the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 2-4. However, as will be described in greater detail below, theembodiment of the wiper assembly 122 illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 includesan airfoil 154 having slightly different structure than the airfoil 54described relative to FIGS. 2-4.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 6 and 7, the airfoil 154 of the wiperassembly 122 includes an upper portion 162 extending between first andsecond distal ends 156, 158. The upper portion 162 includes a solid base176 having a leading edge 178 that extends from the base 176 toward therubber wiping element 126. The leading edge 178 further includes aterminal end 180 that acts to provide improved wind lift resistance asdescribed above relative to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-5.

The upper portion 162 of the wiper assembly 122 further includes aspoiler 172 that extends from the base 176 in a manner opposite to theleading edge 178. The spoiler 172 is integrally attached to the upperportion 162 and includes a terminal point 174. The spoiler 172 is solidin cross-section and tapers from the base 176 toward the terminal point174 so as to define a profile that is slightly contoured. The spoiler172 illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 includes the same structure and providesthe same functional advantages as the spoiler 72 described relative tothe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. Accordingly, the description ofthe spoiler 72 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 is incorporated by referencerelative to the spoiler 172 illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 as though fully setforth herein.

The airfoil 154 further includes an attachment portion 160. Theattachment portion 160 is integrally formed relative to the upperportion 162 in the manner described above relative to the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 2-4. The attachment portion 160 includes a tab 188having a bulbous end 190 (FIG. 6). The attachment portion 160 furtherincludes first and second tracks 192, 194 defined within the attachmentportion 160 by the tab 188 (FIG. 6). The tab 188 and tracks 192, 194 areadapted to operatively engage a retainer, as will be described ingreater detail below. Those having ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that while the attachment portion 160 includes a tab 188 andtracks 192, 194 to engage a retainer, the attachment portion 160 mayinclude additional or alternative structure to accomplish this end.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the wiper assembly 122 further includes aretainer, generally indicated at 196. The retainer 196 is constructedfrom a resiliently flexible material and manufactured by an extrudingprocess. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theretainer 196 may be constructed from the same material employed toconstruct the airfoil 154 or may be constructed from another materialhaving the desired resiliency and flexibility characteristics. By way ofexample the material may be a thermoplastic (poly)ethylene orthermoplastic olefin. Additionally, those having ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that, while the retainer 196 of the presentinvention is manufactured by an extruding process, other manufacturingtechniques may be employed to manufacture the retainer 196. By way ofexample, the retainer 196 may be manufactured by an injectingthermoplastic material into a mold cavity.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the retainer 196 is adapted to operativelycouple the rubber wiping 126 element to the airfoil 154 and retain theelongated beam 138. More specifically, the retainer 196 includes a plate198 and pair of legs 200, 202 depending from the plate 198 tooperatively engage the rubber wiping element 126. Each of the legs 200,202 include a chamfered end 200A, 202A that is turned inward toward theother such that the legs 200, 202 and the plate 198 cooperate to definea sleeve 204. As shown in FIG. 6, the sleeve 204 operatively receives aportion of the upper section 128 of the rubber wiping element 126 whilethe chamfered ends 200A, 202A of the legs 200, 202 operatively engagethe first and second tracks 134, 136 to retain the rubber wiping element126.

The retainer 196 further includes a pair of arms 206,208 extending fromthe plate 198 in a manner opposite the legs 200, 202. The arms 206, 208and the plate 198 cooperate to define a space 210 (FIG. 6). The space210 is adapted to operatively receive the elongated beam 138 (FIG. 7).Each of the arms 206, 208 include a chamfered end 206A, 208A that isturned inward toward each other that cooperate with the elongated beam138 to define a passage 212 (FIG. 6). The passage 212 is adapted tooperatively receive the bulbous end 190 of the tab 188 (FIG. 7).

Referring specifically to FIG. 7, the attachment portion 160 is spacedfrom the elongated beam 138 to define a cavity 211. The cavity 211 isadapted to provide increased flexibility between the airfoil 154 and theretainer 196 during operational movement of the wiper assembly 122across the windshield 18. Specifically, during operational movement ofthe wiper assembly 122, the cavity 211 enhances the flexibility of thespoiler 172 relative to the base 176 to efficiently utilize airflow togenerate downward force onto the wiper assembly 122 and thereby reducewind lift. More specifically, the cavity 211 enables the tab 188 to flexwithin the passage 212, thereby improving the flexibility of the spoiler172 as it is contacted by airflow. In this manner, the flexibilitybetween the tab 188 and the retainer 196 provided by the cavity 211further enables the structure of the upper portion 162 of the airfoil154 to utilize the airflow to generate downward force onto the wiperassembly 122 for reduced wind lift.

The beam blade wiper assembly 22, 122 includes an airfoil 54, 154 havingan upper portion 62, 162 to utilize airflow to generate downward forceon the rubber wiping element 26, 126. Accordingly, the present inventionimproves contact between the wiping element 26, 126 and the windshield18 and reduces wind lift for improved wiping performance. Further, thebeam blade wiper assembly 22, 122 includes an airfoil 54, 154 that issolid in cross-section. Accordingly, the present invention is simpler tomanufacture and thereby reduces associated manufacturing costs. Stillfurther, the beam blade wiper assembly 22, 122 includes a cavity 83, 211that increases flexibility of the airfoil 54, 154. Accordingly, thepresent invention increases utilization of the airfoil 54, 154 togenerate downward pressure onto the wiping element 26, 126 to furtherreduce the likelihood of wind lift.

The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. Itis to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intendedto be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in lightof the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced other than as specificallydescribed.

1. A beam blade windshield wiper assembly comprising: a rubber wipingelement adapted to contact a surface to be wiped; an elongated beamhaving first and second longitudinal ends, said beam being of aresiliently flexible material to apply a force from an intermediateposition between said first and second longitudinal ends to said firstand second longitudinal ends; and an airfoil having an attachmentportion and an upper portion extending between first and second distalends, said attachment portion integrally attached to the upper portionand including a flat rib and a pair of legs depending therefrom tooperatively engage a portion of said rubber wiping element, said upperportion including a solid base having a leading edge that extends fromsaid base toward said wiping element and a spoiler that extends fromsaid base in a manner opposite to said leading edge, wherein said baseis spaced from said rib so as to define a space therebetween that isadapted to receive said elongated beam, said base and said elongatedbeam cooperate to define a cavity adapted to provide flexibility betweensaid upper portion and said attachment portion during operationalmovement across the surface to be wiped.
 2. The wiper assembly as setforth in claim 1 wherein each of said legs include a chamfered end thatis turned inward toward the other such that said legs and said ribcooperate to define a sleeve adapted to retain said rubber wipingelement.
 3. The wiper assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidleading edge further includes a terminal end that extends past said ribof said attachment portion to direct air flow toward said spoiler. 4.The wiper assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spoiler isintegrally attached to said upper portion and tapers from said basetoward a terminal point to define a profile that is slightly contoured.5. The wiper assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said spoiler issolid in cross-section.
 6. The wiper assembly as set forth in claim 1wherein said beam includes a constant width that extends axially withinsaid space, such that said longitudinal ends are substantially alignedwith said distal ends.
 7. The wiper assembly as set forth in claim 1further includes a pair of end caps adapted to operatively engage saiddistal ends of said airfoil, said end caps including a profile thatsubstantially mimics the contours of said airfoil.
 8. The wiper assemblyas set forth in claim 7 wherein each of said end caps include a closedend that extends beyond said distal ends of said airfoil to cover saiddistal ends and facilitate contact between said rubber wiping elementand the surface to be wiped.
 9. The wiper assembly as set forth in claim1 further includes a connecting member operatively attached to saidairfoil at an intermediate position between said first and second distalends to operatively engage an attachment member of a wiper arm.
 10. Abeam blade windshield wiper assembly comprising: a rubber wiping elementadapted to contact a surface to be wiped; an elongated beam first andsecond longitudinal ends, said beam being of a resiliently flexiblematerial to apply a force from an intermediate position between saidfirst and second longitudinal ends to said first and second longitudinalends; a retainer including a plate, a pair of legs depending from saidplate to operatively engage a portion of said rubber wiping element anda pair of arms extending from said plate in a direction opposite to saidlegs, said arms adapted to operatively engage a portion of saidelongated beam; and an airfoil having an attachment portion and an upperportion extending between first and second distal ends, said attachmentportion is integrally attached to the upper portion and is operativelyattached to said retainer, said upper portion including a solid basehaving a leading edge that extends from said base toward said wipingelement and a spoiler that extends from said base in a manner oppositeto said leading edge, wherein said attachment portion and said elongatedbeam cooperate to define a cavity adapted to provide flexibility betweensaid airfoil and said retainer during operational movement across thesurface to be wiped.
 11. The wiper assembly as set forth in claim 10wherein said attachment portion includes a tab having a bulbous end andfirst and second tracks defined within said attachment portion by saidtab, said tracks are adapted to operatively retain said arms.
 12. Thewiper assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein each of said armsinclude an chamfered end that is turned inward toward the other suchthat said arms cooperate with said elongated beam to define a passagethat operatively receives said bulbous end to operatively attach saidairfoil to said retainer.
 13. The wiper assembly as set forth in claim10 wherein said arms cooperate with said plate to define a space thatoperatively receives said beam.
 14. The wiper assembly as set forth inclaim 10 wherein said leading edge further includes a terminal end thatacts to direct air flow toward said spoiler.
 15. The wiper assembly asset forth in claim 10 wherein said beam includes a constant width thatextends axially within said space such that said longitudinal ends aresubstantially aligned with said distal ends.
 16. The wiper assembly asset forth in claim 10 wherein each of said legs include a chamfered endthat is turned inward toward the other such that said legs and saidplate cooperate to define a sleeve adapted to retain said rubber wipingelement.
 17. The wiper assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein saidspoiler is integrally attached to said upper portion and tapers fromsaid base toward a terminal point to define a profile that is slightlycontoured.
 18. The wiper assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein saidspoiler is solid in cross-section.
 19. The wiper assembly as set forthin claim 10 further includes a connecting member operatively attached tosaid airfoil at an intermediate position between said first and seconddistal ends to operatively engage an attachment member of a wiper arm.20. The wiper assembly as set forth in claim 10 further includes a pairof end caps adapted to operatively engage said distal ends of saidairfoil, said end caps including a profile that substantially mimics thecontours of said airfoil.
 21. The wiper assembly as set forth in claim20 wherein said end caps are include a closed end that extends beyondsaid distal ends of said airfoil to facilitate contact between saidrubber wiping element and the surface to be wiped.